Pope Francis criticizes world leaders for inaction over war, poverty, trafficking and other issues

Pope Francis has delivered an all-encompassing speech at the United Nations.

Pope Francis addressed the United Nations on Friday September 25, in what was the largest international gathering till now. He received a warm welcome by the attendees. At this occasion he stepped forward as a champion of the poor and homeless. He urged world leaders to espouse real solutions to fight against the prevalent poverty and environmental crisis.

During this sweeping speech the Pontiff, outlined his vision for a just world, he argued for a string of “sacred rights,” which include labour, land and lodging. Pope Francs adopted a pressing tone depicting disappointment.

During his speech he listed some of the most serious problems facing humanity, he pointed out towards war, drug trafficking, the nuclear arms race. He strongly criticized the powerful leaders who according to him are “all-powerful elite” hoarding wealth and resources. “In effect, a selfish and boundless thirst for power and material prosperity leads both to the misuse of available natural resources and to the exclusion of the weak and disadvantaged.”

His speech hinted exactly what was wrong with the world, while he also presented few suggestions to the world leaders. He claimed that poor countries do not have real existence in the United Nations. Poor people do not get real chances of broadcasting their voices to the international aid programs and missions. “To enable these real men and women to escape from extreme poverty. We must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny.”

The Pontiff further criticized the world leaders as he said that they do not seem to recognize that as they evade substantial action, real people suffer. However, he criticized that when they ultimately find a solution, it is repeatedly forced without much thought to local ground realities.

“In wars and conflicts, there are individual persons, our brothers and sisters, men and women, young and old, boys and girls who weep, suffer and die. Human beings who are easily discarded when our only response is to draw up lists of problems, strategies and disagreements.”

He further highlighted the conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Sudan. He stated that some of the international leaders have used the U.N. not to solve problems, but “as a means of masking spurious intentions. These realities should serve as a grave summons to an examination of conscience on the part of those charged with the conduct of international affairs.”